What is the Novice class and when does a rider have to move up to Expert?

Under the 2026 BMX racing regulations:

• In states and territories that offer Novice categories, they may only be offered until riders are classified as 17 years of age. They are open to male and female riders.
• Novice is a participation category (not scored or timed), with all participants receiving equal, non-financial recognition. Novice riders are not awarded National or State/Territory Series rankings.
• Novice categories may only be offered at Club and Bronze (Regional) level events.
• A Novice rider may move up to Expert at any time, but cannot go back down.
• A Novice rider must ride as an Expert once they have either qualified into the next phase after motos (eighths, quarters or semi-finals) at the National Championships, finished in the top 8 at any National Series round, or finished in the top 8 at a State/Territory Championships.